Celebrating 21 years of caring for Whitsome

SBBN Whitsome Enhancement Group 21st Anniversary

For 21 years the Whitsome Enhancement Group has been looking after the village, starting small and gaining in confidence.

What started as a group of parents running a campaign to improve the village play park, soon developed into a much broader village enhancement effort that has continued ever since.

It took two years for the play park project to be completed, and after help from the community council the team of people became a formally constituted Whitsome Enhancement Group in February 1993.

An architect worked with the group to design a village scheme which comprised a new signboard, hedging and granite sets at the car park, a new gate at the entrance to the Loaning as well as seating at the graveyard and, of course, new equipment for the play park along with picnic benches.

The group also took on the community council scheme of building stone flower beds.

“The group’s aspirations have grown over the years and it has taken on many enhancing projects,” said chairman, June Russell.

“Whitsome’s Christmas lights now light up the dark days of winter; the flower beds are blooming marvellous (well, that depends on our Borders weather) and hundreds of new trees reach new heights every year!

“A big thank you is due to all those who have put in tremendous efforts over the years to make Whitsome more attractive.

“New members continue to join and give fresh impetus to the sociable, friendly group.

“Our 21st year sees us continuing with on-going projects, developing the grounds around the Whitsome Ark and we still strive to win the Floral Gateway Competition!”